How to choose the type of drying in the dishwasher: condensation, intensive, zeolite

Even 20 years ago, a dishwasher was a luxury item, but now it is an indispensable accessory in the kitchen.

And the potential buyer is more interested in the question with which type of drying to choose such a technique..

And how does this generally affect the operation of the dishwasher? What should you pay attention to when buying it?

How the dishwasher and dryer work

The general algorithm of this technique is as follows:

1. After placing dirty dishes in the tank, the user selects the washing mode. Their number depends directly on the manufacturer and what algorithms they put into the control board.
2. Cold water is taken from the water supply, heated to a predetermined temperature using a heating element.
3. Hot water is mixed with a special detergent, sprayed through rotating nozzles onto the dishes. Due to the powerful jet, this allows you to cope with even the most difficult pollution.
4. Dirty water is drained along with the detergent and enters the sewer.
5. The equipment is again gaining cold water, already without heating.
6. Dishes are being rinsed.
7. Drying is carried out after the washing program is completed.

This is the basic algorithm by which this technique works. But some manufacturers provide additional features, such as installing multiple nozzles or increasing internal pressure due to air pre-injection.

Energy efficiency classes of different types of drying and PMM in general

To calculate the energy efficiency of the PMM, the following formula is used:

• it is calculated how much equipment consumes in standby mode for 1 year;
• adds to the resulting number the energy consumption for 280 washing and drying cycles (the average value of how many times an average user starts the dishwasher during the year).

The calculated value is 462 kWh per year. In order for a technique to receive an A +++ energy saving class, it is necessary that its classifier be up to 50%. That is, such a PMM should consume up to 231 kW / h.

Accordingly, knowing the energy saving class, you can understand how much electricity a dishwasher will consume on average per year. Today, the average value is 300 kWh.

What determines energy consumption? Mainly from the power of the installed heating element and the dish drying algorithm.

The most economical are PMM with a zeolite system. The least energy efficient - with a turbo dryer. But each of the drying options has both its advantages and disadvantages.

Condensation drying

One of the very first algorithms that began to be used in dishwashers.

It is done like this:

• after the completion of the rinsing process, the treatment of dishes with hot steam is turned on;
• the dishes are heated, hot steam rises and settles on the walls of the metal tank PMM, with the help of special drains it merges into the pan.

That is, a heating element is used to heat water and produce hot steam.

The main advantage of such PMMs is their low cost and relatively simple design. If necessary, they will not be difficult to repair.

Ventilation dryer

There are two variations of this drying mechanism used in modern dishwashers:

1. No condensation treatment. After rinsing is completed, the machine automatically opens the door by 10 - 15 centimeters, which ensures natural ventilation inside the tank. The main disadvantage of this method is that it leaves streaks both on the dishes themselves and on the inner walls of the PMM, so it has to be cleaned often.
2. With condensation treatment. First, the dishes are steamed with hot steam, and after the completion of all processes, the door automatically opens slightly. Now this option is found in almost all PMM budget class.

That is, ventilation is provided only due to the fact that the door opens slightly in the dishwasher after the completion of all programmed processes.

Naturally, most of the condensate remains directly in the PMM, but some gets outside. Therefore, mandatory is the requirement for the presence of forced ventilation in the room.

But the cost of such machines is relatively low.

Technically, they differ from condensation ones only in the presence of an automatic door opening mechanism, as well as a special sensor that determines the current humidity indicator inside (to determine the moment when the door is open).

Turbo dryer

The fastest drying option.

The basic algorithm is the same as in the condensation room, but there is also a special fan that inflates hot steam inside the PMM. That is, it speeds up the process of blowing hot air over all the contents and settling of condensate on the walls.

In some machines, the door also opens slightly after this and the fan runs for some more time.

The main disadvantage of such a scheme is the high consumption of electricity, as well as the presence of additional noise during operation. And as practice shows, coolers and fans fail rather quickly (after 3-5 years they have to be fully serviced, gaskets, bearings, and so on must be replaced, and some manufacturers have a non-separable design).

For some machines, the turbo-dryer is also supplemented by an air heating system inside the PMM due to the short-term activation of the heating element. Naturally, this also affects the energy consumption of technology.

Intensive drying

It is an analogue of a turbo dryer, but such dishwashers do not have a built-in fan.

Air circulation is achieved due to the occurrence of a pressure difference inside the PMM, as well as outside. There are several valves on the body that open after rinsing is completed. Due to the pressure difference, the air is automatically "drawn" inward, causing the movement of air masses. This speeds up the drying process, but without using the heater and fan.

Such dishwashers have a high energy efficiency class, but periodically it is necessary to check the operation of the valves (blockages may occur).

Also, intensive drying is more “sensitive” to ambient temperature. The higher it is, the less effective the process of drying dishes (due to the smaller temperature difference).

Therefore, they are practically not used in restaurant kitchens, where elevated indoor temperatures are a normal working environment.

Zeolite drying

Today it is the most “advanced” option for drying in dishwashers. But it is found only in luxury class PMM, which are 2-3 times more expensive than the most common models.

The technology is as follows:

1. A zeolite is placed in the pallet - a mineral that is able to absorb heat in large volumes. At the same time, its heat transfer coefficient is as high as, for example, that of copper, although it weighs an order of magnitude less.
2. After rinsing is completed, the zeolite naturally heats the air inside the dishwasher, which speeds up the drying process of the dishes. That is, natural circulation occurs, condensed moisture flows down the walls into the pan. This entire process takes, on average, 15 to 20 minutes. The door, as a rule, does not open after that (separate air ducts are provided to ensure the natural evaporation of moisture).

Zeolite does not consume electricity, does not need any maintenance from the user. But the drying process itself takes longer than with turbo drying.

Which dryer is better

The following conclusions can be drawn:

1. Condensation drying is the most technically simple option. It will not allow you to significantly save on electricity, and stains may also remain on the dishes (especially on glass). But the main advantage of PMM with this option for drying dishes is their low cost.
2. Ventilation. A more modernized version of the condensing one, but the basic principle is similar. The process is a little faster, but the stains still remain. Also, such PMM can be used only in those rooms where there is good natural ventilation or forced ventilation is provided (that is, where there is a supply system).
3. Turbo dryer. An option for those who often have to use the dishwasher (for example, a large family). They are also installed in catering establishments.
4. Intensive. A relatively modern type of drying, in which manufacturers have tried to take into account the advantages and disadvantages of previous options. It takes a little more time than a turbo dryer, but there are no streaks left, and the electricity consumption is also quite low. Dishwashers with intensive drying in 99% of cases have an energy efficiency class of A + or A ++.
5. Zeolite. The best option, but expensive. Therefore, not everyone can afford to install such a dishwasher. And this technique also weighs more, also takes up a little more free space. On the other hand, zeolite is an absolutely environmentally friendly mineral, resistant to long-term temperature effects. So this dryer will never break. And at the same time, it is not required to use a heating element or a fan, since the heating air naturally rises to the top of the dishwasher.

In total, the general principle of operation of all PMMs is the same.

Only the mechanism for drying dishes is significantly different. And you should definitely pay attention to this if the buyer does not want to face constant stains on kitchen utensils. If this is not important for ordinary plates, pots, then when it comes to washing crystal or glassware, all the shortcomings become apparent.

And be sure to take into account energy consumption, since electricity prices are constantly rising, and PMM is one of those devices that consumes really a lot of current.

Useful video

After watching a short video clip, you will find out what types of drying exist in dishwashers and which one to choose: